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Solano looks to establish himself as big league regular

Solano looks to establish himself as big league regular

8/3/13: Donovan Solano hustles to back up his first baseman, fielding a grounder on a deflection and tossing to first for a heads-up out

By Joe Frisaro
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MLB.com |

PITTSBURGH -- On a youthful Marlins squad, Donovan Solano does have experience on how to finish a big league season.

As a rookie in 2012, the second baseman picked up the pace after the All-Star break, batting .292 in the final couple of months.

The 25-year-old has had his ups and downs this year. He's batting .254 on the year with two homers and 16 RBIs. In his last 12 games, however, he has 10 RBIs.

"I don't think about this being the last part of the season," Solano said. "You need to think about, 'Keep going, and work hard.' The only thing you can think about the season is finish strong.

"You never know what is going on tomorrow. You have to put 100 percent and do the best you can in the game, and let it go. Whatever happens, happens. That's all you can do."

At stake for Solano is establishing himself as a big league regular, instead of being regarded as a utility player.

As the Marlins plan for the rest of the season and for 2014, they are tentatively considering Solano at second and Derek Dietrich (now at Double-A Jacksonville) playing third base. Or Dietrich could wind up at second and Solano could move to third.

Those are a couple of scenarios the team will explore for the future.

For now, Solano understands the club is looking to win as many games as possible.

"We are trying to do the best we can, and look for a better situation for next year," he said.